A camera mount assembly for holding a camera or other perception sensor that may be fixed with respect to a ground plane and used for incremental angle measurement of the camera or other perception sensor in three axes, such that the precise spatial relationships of imaged objects with respect to the orientation/position of the camera or other perception sensor may be determined. A base structure of the camera mount assembly may be affixed to a fixed or moveable support structure and multiple leveling devices and/or laser devices are provided to establish a reliable reference relative to the ground plane. Thus, the exact orientation of the camera or other perception sensor in space may be determined frame to frame, such that the precise orientation of imaged objects with respect to the orientation/position of the camera or other perception sensor relative to the ground plane may be determined over time.
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2. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the second rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the first rotational adjustment mechanism by an arm structure disposed at an angle to the first axis and the second axis.
A camera mount assembly provides adjustable positioning for a camera or imaging device. The assembly includes a first rotational adjustment mechanism that allows rotation about a first axis, enabling tilt or pan adjustments. A second rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the first mechanism, allowing rotation about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis, enabling additional angular adjustments. The second mechanism is connected to the first via an arm structure positioned at an angle relative to both the first and second axes. This angled arm structure facilitates independent and precise rotational adjustments along both axes, improving stability and control during camera positioning. The design ensures smooth, decoupled movement between the two rotational axes, reducing interference and enhancing the accuracy of camera alignment. The assembly is particularly useful in applications requiring precise angular adjustments, such as surveillance, photography, or industrial inspection, where stable and repeatable positioning is critical. The angled arm structure optimizes the mechanical linkage between the two rotational mechanisms, minimizing backlash and improving overall system rigidity.
3. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the third rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the second rotational adjustment mechanism by a planar structure disposed along the second axis perpendicular to the third axis.
A camera mount assembly provides precise multi-axis adjustment for stabilizing and positioning a camera. The assembly includes a base structure, a first rotational adjustment mechanism for tilting the camera along a first axis, and a second rotational adjustment mechanism for panning the camera along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A third rotational adjustment mechanism allows for additional rotational adjustment along a third axis, which is perpendicular to the second axis. The third rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the second rotational adjustment mechanism by a planar structure that ensures alignment and stability during adjustments. This design enables fine-tuning of the camera's orientation in multiple dimensions, improving stability and accuracy for applications such as aerial photography, surveillance, or industrial imaging. The planar coupling structure ensures that adjustments along the third axis do not interfere with the second axis adjustments, maintaining precise control over the camera's positioning. The assembly may also include locking mechanisms to secure the camera in a desired position after adjustment. This multi-axis adjustment system enhances flexibility and precision in camera positioning, addressing the need for stable and accurate imaging in various environments.
4. The camera mount assembly of claim 3, wherein the planar structure defines an aperture disposed about the third axis in which at least a portion of the third rotational adjustment mechanism is disposed.
A camera mount assembly is designed to provide precise rotational adjustments for a camera or imaging device. The assembly includes a planar structure that defines an aperture centered around a third axis. Within this aperture, at least a portion of a third rotational adjustment mechanism is positioned. This mechanism allows for rotational movement of the camera or imaging device about the third axis, enabling fine-tuning of the device's orientation. The planar structure may also include additional rotational adjustment mechanisms for other axes, allowing for multi-axis adjustments to optimize the camera's positioning. The assembly ensures stability and accuracy in camera alignment, addressing the need for precise and adjustable mounting solutions in imaging applications. The aperture design facilitates compact integration of the rotational mechanism while maintaining structural integrity and ease of access for adjustments. This configuration is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision camera positioning, such as professional photography, surveillance, or scientific imaging.
5. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the third rotational adjustment mechanism is disposed with respect to the first rotational adjustment mechanism such that the third axis intersects the first axis.
A camera mount assembly provides precise multi-axis adjustment for stabilizing and positioning a camera. The assembly includes a base structure, a first rotational adjustment mechanism allowing rotation about a first axis, and a second rotational adjustment mechanism allowing rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A third rotational adjustment mechanism enables rotation about a third axis that intersects the first axis, allowing fine-tuning of the camera's orientation. The third rotational adjustment mechanism is positioned relative to the first mechanism to ensure the third axis intersects the first axis, enhancing stability and control during adjustments. This configuration allows for independent and precise adjustments along multiple axes, improving camera alignment and reducing vibration. The assembly is particularly useful in applications requiring high stability, such as aerial photography, cinematography, or industrial imaging, where accurate positioning and smooth movement are critical. The intersecting axes design minimizes mechanical interference and ensures smooth, independent adjustments, improving overall performance and usability.
6. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the camera or other perception sensor is secured to the third rotational adjustment mechanism.
A camera mount assembly is designed to provide precise positioning and stabilization for a camera or other perception sensor, such as LiDAR or radar, in applications like autonomous vehicles, robotics, or surveillance. The assembly addresses the challenge of accurately aligning and adjusting the sensor's field of view in dynamic environments where vibrations, movement, or environmental factors can disrupt sensor performance. The assembly includes multiple rotational adjustment mechanisms to enable fine-tuned positioning along multiple axes. The third rotational adjustment mechanism, which is part of the assembly, allows the camera or perception sensor to be securely mounted and rotated independently, ensuring optimal alignment and stability. This mechanism may include a motorized or manual adjustment system to facilitate precise angular adjustments. The assembly may also incorporate damping or locking features to maintain the sensor's position once adjusted. The design ensures that the sensor remains stable and properly oriented, even under varying conditions, enhancing the reliability of data capture and analysis. The modular nature of the assembly allows for easy integration with different sensor types and mounting platforms.
7. The camera mount assembly of claim 6, wherein the camera or other perception sensor is secured concentrically within the third rotational adjustment mechanism.
A camera mount assembly is designed to provide precise alignment and stabilization for a camera or other perception sensor, particularly in applications requiring accurate positioning, such as autonomous vehicles or robotics. The assembly includes multiple rotational adjustment mechanisms to enable fine-tuning of the sensor's orientation. The third rotational adjustment mechanism, which is part of the assembly, allows for rotational movement around a central axis. The camera or perception sensor is secured concentrically within this mechanism, ensuring that the sensor remains centered and stable during adjustments. This concentric alignment helps maintain optical or sensor accuracy by minimizing misalignment or vibration-induced errors. The assembly may also include additional mechanisms for adjusting tilt or pan, allowing for comprehensive positional control. The design ensures that the sensor remains securely mounted while permitting precise adjustments to optimize its field of view or data capture capabilities. This configuration is particularly useful in environments where environmental factors or movement could otherwise disrupt sensor performance.
8. The camera mount assembly of claim 1, wherein the base structure comprises one or more of a leveling device and a laser device for establishing a predetermined orientation of the base structure with respect to a ground plane.
This invention relates to a camera mount assembly designed for precise alignment and positioning of a camera, particularly in applications requiring accurate orientation relative to a ground plane. The assembly includes a base structure that supports a camera and may incorporate one or more leveling devices or laser devices to establish and maintain a predetermined orientation. The leveling device ensures the base structure is horizontally aligned, while the laser device projects a reference beam to aid in positioning. The assembly may also include a pivoting mechanism that allows the camera to be adjusted in multiple axes, such as tilt and pan, to achieve the desired field of view. The base structure may further include mounting features for securing the assembly to a fixed surface or tripod, ensuring stability during operation. The combination of leveling and laser devices provides a user with precise control over the camera's alignment, reducing setup time and improving accuracy in applications like surveying, construction, or security monitoring. The assembly is designed to be modular, allowing for easy integration of additional components or adjustments as needed.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining a distance between the camera or other perception sensor and the object of interest and determining a position of the object with respect to the orientation/position of the camera or other perception sensor.
This invention relates to perception systems for autonomous vehicles or robotic systems, focusing on improving object detection and localization accuracy. The method involves using a camera or other perception sensor to detect an object of interest in an environment. The system then determines the distance between the sensor and the object, as well as the object's position relative to the sensor's orientation and position. This allows for precise spatial mapping of the object within the environment, enabling better decision-making for navigation or interaction tasks. The method may also involve tracking the object over time to refine position estimates and account for movement. By integrating distance and positional data, the system enhances situational awareness, reducing errors in object localization and improving safety in autonomous operations. The approach is particularly useful in dynamic environments where objects may move or change position, ensuring reliable perception for autonomous systems.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising determining a distance between the camera or other perception sensor and the ground plane and determining a height of the object with respect to the ground plane.
This invention relates to object detection and height estimation using perception sensors, such as cameras, in autonomous systems. The problem addressed is accurately determining the height of objects relative to a ground plane, which is critical for navigation, obstacle avoidance, and environmental mapping in applications like autonomous vehicles or robotics. The method involves capturing sensor data from a camera or other perception sensor mounted on a moving platform, such as a vehicle. The sensor data is processed to detect objects in the environment. Once an object is detected, the system calculates the distance between the sensor and the ground plane. This distance is used to determine the height of the detected object relative to the ground plane. The ground plane may be identified using techniques such as plane fitting or segmentation of the sensor data. The height estimation accounts for the sensor's position and orientation, ensuring accurate measurements even when the sensor is not perfectly level. This approach improves object detection accuracy by providing contextual information about an object's height, which is useful for tasks like avoiding obstacles, mapping terrain, or classifying objects. The method can be applied in various environments, including urban, rural, or off-road settings, where precise height measurements are essential for safe and efficient operation.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the second rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the first rotational adjustment mechanism by an arm structure disposed at an angle to the first axis and the second axis.
A system for adjusting the orientation of a component relative to two axes involves a first rotational adjustment mechanism that rotates the component around a first axis and a second rotational adjustment mechanism that rotates the component around a second axis. The second rotational adjustment mechanism is connected to the first rotational adjustment mechanism by an arm structure positioned at an angle to both the first and second axes. This configuration allows for precise control of the component's orientation in multiple dimensions. The arm structure ensures that adjustments made by the second rotational mechanism do not interfere with the first mechanism's operation, enabling independent or coordinated movement around both axes. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring fine-tuned positional adjustments, such as optical alignment, robotic manipulation, or precision manufacturing. The angled arm structure provides mechanical stability while maintaining the ability to rotate the component around both axes without mechanical interference. This design improves accuracy and reduces the need for complex calibration procedures.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the third rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the second rotational adjustment mechanism by a planar structure disposed along the second axis perpendicular to the third axis.
This invention relates to a mechanical system for precise rotational adjustments, particularly in applications requiring multi-axis alignment, such as optical systems, robotics, or precision manufacturing. The problem addressed is the need for stable, independent rotational adjustments along multiple axes while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing mechanical interference. The system includes a first rotational adjustment mechanism that allows rotation about a first axis, a second rotational adjustment mechanism that enables rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third rotational adjustment mechanism that allows rotation about a third axis perpendicular to both the first and second axes. The third rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the second rotational adjustment mechanism via a planar structure positioned along the second axis. This planar structure ensures that the third rotational adjustment mechanism remains aligned with the second axis while allowing independent rotation about the third axis. The planar structure also provides mechanical stability and reduces unwanted vibrations or misalignments during operation. The system may include additional components, such as actuators, sensors, or locking mechanisms, to control and secure the rotational adjustments. The design ensures that each rotational adjustment mechanism operates independently without interfering with the others, enabling precise multi-axis alignment in compact configurations.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the third rotational adjustment mechanism is disposed with respect to the first rotational adjustment mechanism such that the third axis intersects the first axis.
This invention relates to a mechanical system for adjusting the orientation of a component, such as a mirror or sensor, in multiple rotational degrees of freedom. The system addresses the challenge of achieving precise alignment in three-dimensional space while minimizing mechanical complexity and maintaining stability. The system includes a first rotational adjustment mechanism that allows rotation about a first axis, enabling coarse positioning of the component. A second rotational adjustment mechanism is coupled to the first mechanism, providing rotation about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, allowing fine adjustments in a second plane. A third rotational adjustment mechanism is integrated such that its rotational axis intersects the first axis, enabling adjustments in a third plane. This intersection ensures that the third rotational mechanism can compensate for misalignments introduced by the first and second mechanisms, improving overall precision. The third rotational adjustment mechanism may include a motorized or manual actuator to drive the rotation, and its positioning relative to the first mechanism ensures that all three rotational axes converge at a common point, reducing mechanical play and enhancing stability. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision alignment, such as optical systems, robotics, or aerospace components. The design minimizes backlash and improves repeatability by ensuring that each rotational adjustment is independent yet interconnected through the intersecting axes.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the camera or other perception sensor is secured to the third rotational adjustment mechanism.
A system for adjusting the position and orientation of a camera or other perception sensor, such as those used in autonomous vehicles or robotic systems, addresses the challenge of precisely aligning sensors to optimize their field of view and data capture. The system includes a base structure, a first rotational adjustment mechanism mounted to the base, a second rotational adjustment mechanism connected to the first, and a third rotational adjustment mechanism linked to the second. Each mechanism allows independent rotation along a distinct axis, enabling multi-axis adjustment of the sensor. The third rotational adjustment mechanism secures the camera or perception sensor, allowing fine-tuned positioning. This modular design ensures flexibility in sensor alignment, accommodating various environmental conditions and operational requirements. The system may also include control mechanisms, such as motors or manual adjustments, to facilitate precise positioning. The invention improves sensor accuracy and reliability by providing a stable, adjustable mounting solution that can be dynamically configured for optimal performance.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein the base structure comprises one or more of a leveling device and a laser device for establishing a predetermined orientation of the base structure with respect to a ground plane.
This invention relates to a method for constructing a structure, specifically focusing on establishing and maintaining precise alignment and orientation of a base structure relative to a ground plane. The method addresses the challenge of ensuring accurate positioning and leveling of the base structure during construction, which is critical for structural integrity and functionality. The base structure includes one or more leveling devices and laser devices to achieve and verify the desired orientation. The leveling devices may include mechanical or electronic components that adjust the base structure to a level position, compensating for uneven ground surfaces. The laser devices project reference beams or planes to establish and monitor the alignment of the base structure relative to the ground plane. These devices work together to ensure the base structure is positioned correctly, reducing errors and improving construction efficiency. The method involves using the leveling and laser devices to detect and correct any deviations from the predetermined orientation. The laser devices may project horizontal or vertical reference lines, while the leveling devices adjust the base structure accordingly. This ensures the base structure meets specified tolerances for alignment and stability. The integration of these devices automates and simplifies the leveling process, enhancing precision and reducing manual labor. The invention is particularly useful in construction applications where accurate alignment is essential, such as in building foundations, industrial installations, or infrastructure projects. By providing automated leveling and alignment verification, the method improves construction accuracy and reduces the risk of structural defects.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the driver assist or autonomous driving system executes a machine learning algorithm.
The invention relates to driver assist or autonomous driving systems that utilize machine learning algorithms to improve vehicle control and decision-making. The system is designed to address challenges in real-time navigation, obstacle detection, and adaptive driving behavior in dynamic environments. The machine learning algorithm processes sensor data, such as camera, radar, or LiDAR inputs, to analyze road conditions, traffic patterns, and potential hazards. It then generates control signals to adjust steering, braking, or acceleration to enhance safety and efficiency. The algorithm may also incorporate predictive modeling to anticipate driver actions or environmental changes, allowing for proactive adjustments. Additionally, the system may include data fusion techniques to integrate multiple sensor inputs, improving accuracy and reliability. The machine learning model is trained using historical driving data, simulation scenarios, and real-world test cases to optimize performance. The system may further adapt its behavior based on user preferences, road regulations, or weather conditions, ensuring compliance and personalized driving experiences. This approach aims to reduce human error, minimize accidents, and improve overall driving efficiency in both assisted and fully autonomous driving modes.
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December 16, 2020
December 6, 2022
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